Profiles of Students, Staff, Teachers Archives - School News Network

Young leaders find their place at the table on student council

Kent City Beth Heinen Bell

Empowered by their teachers and administrators, the first student council at Kent City Elementary had a big year in 2024-25.

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With striking commitment, he leads percussionists to find ‘genuine joy’

Caledonia Alexis Stark

The percussion ensemble director of more than 25 years, Don Raaymakers mentors his student musicians, past and present, to be their best.

Young bowler’s future is all strikes and spares

Rockford Riley Kelley

After being named the top high-school female bowler in the state, Rockford’s Sofia DeLuccia’s dream of bowling professionally is starting to coalesce.

Youth of the Year honoree embraces challenges & change

Kelloggsville Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Cyrus Armstrong said he often tells other students that the most important thing is to just “be you.”

Gymnast vaults his way to bronze, eyes even more metal

Lowell Erin Albanese

Lowell High School sophomore Tate Outman has competed five times at the national level, and hopes to compete in the Olympics.

Painful condition can’t dampen grad’s ‘high hopes’ for the future

East Grand Rapids Riley Kelley

This graduate pushed through the pain of sickle cell anemia, never letting his condition interfere with his academic progress.

He found strength, support & purpose on path to graduation

Kelloggsville Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

After personal loss, academic struggles and a crisis of purpose, this grad credits his late mother, family and Kelloggsville staff for helping him cross the finish line with the class of 2025.

‘Starting a new chapter’: Graduate overcomes challenges, finds confidence and career path

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Madeleen Garcia Velez finds her voice, focus and future at Godwin Heights High School.

With high school in rearview mirror, he’s excited for road ahead

Kenowa Hills Alexis Stark

After struggling to pass his classes, senior Jacob Collins discovered a passion for cars and looks forward to post-grad life.

It took a village to help this graduate reach the finish line

Comstock Park Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

A single question was the turning point for Briaden Cashman, motivating him to ensure he graduated with his class in May.

Social work goal born of real-life experience

Lowell Erin Albanese

After losing both of her parents, this 2025 Lowell High School graduate has learned to be independent and keep looking forward.

‘I can’t be stopped’: Grad says struggle made him stronger

Grand Rapids Riley Kelley

At the end of a high-school career marked by upheaval and strife, this Innovation Central High School grad is focusing on the positive.

She can finally envision her future, and it’s looking bright

Cedar Springs Riley Kelley

This Cedar Springs senior faced abuse and mental health issues, but she refused to give up on life.

Tech Center student’s trajectory: sparks and arcs

Kent ISD Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Welding has become more than just a hobby for this senior.

After facing his own health issue, senior looks forward to helping others

Wyoming Erin Albanese

After a car accident left Wyoming High School senior Omar Blanco with double vision, he had to figure out how to get through school while working toward recovery.

Shop class, summer jobs pave the way for construction career

Cedar Springs Riley Kelley

Construction management is this Cedar Springs senior’s passion.

Young leaders find their place at the table on student council

With striking commitment, he leads percussionists to find ‘genuine joy’

Young bowler’s future is all strikes and spares

Youth of the Year honoree embraces challenges & change

Taking math from the classroom to the court

STEM rocket project launches students into summer

Book Bus keeps reading skills sharp during the summer

Creating music, building relationships with ‘magical’ students

‘Building assets’ helps students steer clear of dangerous options

Art & writing competition winners share work

Sparking success: welding in virtual reality

Destination Lake Michigan: newcomers study local watershed

Profiles of Students, Staff, Teachers

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